A 79-year-old grandmother from Minnesota was killed when a bull elephant charged the safari truck she was traveling in, overturning the vehicle and causing fatal injuries.
Gail Mattson was on a dream safari in Zambia with a close friend, having told loved ones it would be her last major overseas journey. She had traveled widely throughout her life and had a passion for exploring the globe, having previously visited Asia and Europe.
Details of the incident
On March 30, 2024, Mattson set out on a game drive. During the excursion, a bull elephant described as "aggressive" charged directly at the truck. Six people were in the vehicle; four required treatment for minor injuries, and a fifth was treated at a hospital in South Africa. Mattson sustained catastrophic injuries and did not survive.
In a recording of the incident, someone can be heard saying "oh my goodness" and "it's coming fast." The driver reportedly halted the vehicle in an attempt to stop the elephant, but the bull hooked its horns into the truck and rolled it multiple times.
Statements from family and officials
Keith Vincent, CEO of the safari company, explained that the terrain and vegetation blocked the guide's escape route, preventing the vehicle from moving out of harm's way quickly enough. He said: "Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide's route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm's way quickly enough."
Mattson's daughter, Rona Wells, wrote on Facebook: "Sadly she lost her life in a tragic accident while on her dream adventure." Her son, Blake Vetter, told the Star Tribune: "This is more than about a little old lady that got killed by an elephant. She lived an extraordinary life." Mattson raised two children by herself, was an avid golfer, and worked as a loan officer before retiring at 55. She and her son had been planning a skydive upon her return.
